Ornaments: Family Traditions and Gift Buying Ideas

One of my favorite aspects of Christmas is pulling out our family ornaments. Each one has a history and a story behind it. They aren't just decorative, but they also chronicle the history of our family. Ornaments are an integral part of Christmas and what could be a better gift for a loved one or friend?

Starting a Family Tradition

Ornaments are a great way to bring family history into your Christmas. When I was young, my mother started the tradition of giving me an ornament each year and it would signify something I did or accomplished that year. For example, the Christmas I was 5 years old, I received a cute Crayola crayon box ornament to indicate I started kindergarten. It continued until I got married when she gave us a beautiful Precious Moments couple.

I continue the tradition with my daughter but I've also carried it on with my husband. We try to take at least one trip together each year for our anniversary and we will pick up an ornament on that trip. I write down the meaning of each ornament as we accumulate them and when we go to decorate our tree, we have a wonderful log of memories.

Ornaments are also a great way to connect with your family. In our busy world, it is rare to find the time to sit together as a family and talk. If the T.V. isn't blaring, the music is, or we are rushing to find dinner, get baths, bed, et cetera. Decorating the Christmas tree gives us one solid afternoon of interaction. Even though our daughter is still very young, she loves to help us find places on the tree for each special ornament. And as we explain the significance of each, she is not only learning what she has accomplished but her family history as well.

There are many ways to incorporate ornaments into your family Christmas traditions. You could give one a year based on something noteworthy that happened or you could allow your children to choose one themselves. I know of one family that makes their own ornaments each year. Each child cuts out and decorates his own ornament. They label the cut outs with the date and enjoy talking about each as they hang them year after year.

Gift Buying Ideas

Ornaments are not just a family tradition, they are also a great gift for friends and other loved ones. But ornaments are also one of the most gifted items. So how can you find just the right ornament for someone to treasure?

First, think of the person you are buying for. Yes, it is an "easy" gift idea however, many ornaments are tossed because it is not something the person would care to keep. Avoid cheap looking ornaments. Wal-Mart is a great bargain store, but personally, I have not seen too many quality ornaments. Most look poorly constructed and poorly painted. If the person you are buying for loves angels, look for something unique. I've found adorable angels made from seashells in Florida and the Bahamas, lovely crocheted angels from craft fairs and bead angels crafted by a friend. Does he have a favorite sports team? By googling the team name and the key word "ornaments," I found some fun ones online. Bird lover? No problem. Audubon created some gorgeous porcelain ones and you can find any specific species just by a simple search online.

Second, bringing back an ornament from your trip for someone else may be a lovely idea but it does not have much significance to them. Look for a way to incorporate their tastes in it. I have an acquaintance that traveled to Ireland and brought back a lovely porcelain ornament complete with the family tartan for her neighbor. Her neighbor was so impressed because she hadn't been able to find a way to incorporate her family tartan in her Christmas decorating before.

Third, consider "working" ornaments for families. My mom collects ornaments that you can open and close or play with somehow. She likes to keep those at the bottom of the tree for her granddaughter and grandnephews to play with. Hallmark does an amazing job putting out these fun ornaments. This year you can even purchase a working See 'n Say Keepsake Ornament.

Trimming a tree is always a great holiday tradition. Why not make it even more special with family ornaments to treasure for years to come?